The Shubunkin 

 SPECKLED GOLDFISH. SPOTTED GOLDFISH. VERMILION VARIEGATED GOLDFISH 



According to its sponsor, Professor Matsubara, the name shubunkin means "vermilion reel dappled 

 with different hues." As distinctive English designations, the names speckled goldfish, spotted 

 goldfish, and vermilion variegated goldfish may be employed. 



This is a large, graceful form, showing combinations of color not found in any other Japanese 

 varieties. It came into existence in 1900, and is the outcome of the breeder's efforts to produce a 

 fish that shows the multivariegated speckles or mottlings sometimes seen in the Chinese demekin but 

 not in any of the older varieties grown in Japan. The hybrid was effected, according to Professor 

 Matsubara, by the mating of the demekin and the wakin, of which an equal number of each sex 

 and of each variety was selected for the purpose, the demekin having black dapples on a vermilion 

 or purplish body, and the wakin being variegated with red, black, bluish, and white. The results 

 of this cross were interesting as showing the possibilities of further experiments of this kind. Some 

 of the young had the form of the wild goldfish and the peculiar markings of the demekin ; some 

 resembled the wakin ; some had the form of the demekin. About twenty per cent of the progeny 

 were of the special type sought to be produced. This has been regularly bred, and has given rise to 

 some new and interesting color phases. 



In the standard fish of this variety the body is rather long and compressed, the dorsal and 

 ventral outlines are decidedly curved, the caudal peduncle is very distinct, and the scales are less 

 conspicuous than in other varieties. The dorsal fin is elevated and wavy; the pectorals, ventrals, 



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